Worsening Eye Infection Forces Bob Costas Off Olympic Prime Time

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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Bob Costas was hoping to pitch a complete game at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

But with an infection that has spread to his other eye, the veteran broadcaster is making a call to the bullpen.

“I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not, but you’re Mariano Rivera — at least tonight,” Costas told Matt Lauer on air Tuesday morning.

Lauer appeared surprised: “So I’m stepping in for you tonight, the master of Olympic prime time?”

The games have taken a back seat at times to other storylines in Sochi, including the double-dose of Costas conjunctivitis.

“I’m walking around and I might as well be playing Marco Polo,” Costas said. “I have no idea where I am.”

This story was originally posted by WFAN’s Boomer and Carton. For more including video commentary, visit CBSNewYork.com.

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What is Pink Eye?

According to HealthiNation: “It is caused by an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the thin, transparent layer that lines the inner eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. The inflammation is usually caused by a virus, and will resolve without any treatment. But, sometimes pink eye is caused by a bacterial infection and will require antibiotics.”